Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
- Spanish
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through the breathtaking San Blas Islands, one of the last untouched tropical paradises on Earth. Stay for 4 days and 3 nights in a rustic beach cabin surrounded by turquoise waters and soft white sands.
This tour stands out with a rare visit to the remote Holandeses Cays, an exclusive island atoll that few travelers ever reach. Snorkel vibrant coral reefs, swim in crystal-clear lagoons, and relax in total tranquility away from the crowds.
Enjoy freshly prepared meals made with local ingredients, a guided boat tour to nearby islands, and warm Guna hospitality throughout your stay. Whether you’re exploring hidden sandbars or unwinding in a hammock under swaying palms, this is the perfect way to experience the true beauty and culture of San Blas.
Yani Island features rustic, private rooms in the main building, you will have two twin beds available. The shared bathrooms are only a few steps away.
PLEASE READ DISCLAIMER BELOW!!!
What's Included
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
Meeting and pickup
If booking with transportation from Panama City: IF YOU HAVE NOT PROVIDED YOUR WHATSAPP NUMBER AND PICK UP INFORMATION (HOTEL NAME & ROOM NUMBER) YOUR TOUR IS NOT CONFIRMED AND WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PICK YOU UP. On the day of your tour, please be ready to be picked up from your hotel between 5:00am and 5:30 am, and wait in the lobby. Since we have shared transportation with up to 6 guests per car, our drivers choose the best route to pick up all guests in a timely manner. To avoid any delays we appreciate your cooperation in being on time. If you are not at your designated pick up point (and waiting in the lobby!), you will loose your tour without refund. The driver will try his best in contacting you via WhatsApp. Please understand that the driver cannot wait longer than 10 minutes before continuing to the next pick up destination, in order to provide timely service for all of the other guests. If driving on your own to San Blas: Please contact our office for exact driving directions and instructions. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ONLY 4X4 CARS ARE PERMITTED TO ENTER THE TERRITORY. We have many guests who arrive in a regular SUV (such as Hyundai Tucson or similar), but are not allowed to enter, because the SUV is not a 4x4 and is considered too small or not suitable for the treacherous roads.
The tour starts in the port of Carti. Contact our office for exact driving directions and instructions. Plan to arrive no later than 8:30am. Only 4x4 vehicles are allowed entry into San Blas territory. All other cars and SUVs will not be allowed to enter the territory and you will lose your tour.
Itinerary
-
1San Blas Islands
If you choose our optional transportation, your driver will pick you up from your Panama City hotel between 5:00 am and 5:45 am for the scenic 2.5–3-hour drive to the Port of Carti. Upon arrival, things may seem a bit unorganized, but rest assured — the Guna community runs everything smoothly and efficiently. Your boat captain will meet you at the dock, and your adventure begins! The 25–30 minute boat ride to your island may be bumpy and can include short stops at other islands to pick up or drop off guests — a unique glimpse into daily life in San Blas.
4 hours • Admission ticket free -
2San Blas Islands
Once you arrive at your island, settle into your beach cabin and enjoy a relaxing day swimming, or lounging in a hammock. The shallow waters surrounding the island are perfect for wading and cooling off under the sun. Dinner is freshly prepared by your Guna hosts.
1 day • Admission ticket free -
3San Blas Islands
After a delicious breakfast on Isla Yansailadup, relax in one of the ocean hammocks and enjoy the peace and tranquility of your island paradise.
4 hours • Admission ticket free -
4San Blas Islands
After another delicious lunch embark on an exciting boat trip to the remote Holandeses Cays, one of the most beautiful and rarely visited areas in San Blas. Snorkel over colorful coral reefs, discover untouched islands, and marvel at the postcard-perfect scenery. Return to your island in the afternoon to relax, enjoy a delicious dinner, and watch another unforgettable Caribbean sunset.
3 hours • Admission ticket free -
5San Blas Islands
Spend a full day at your leisure in paradise. Swim in calm turquoise waters, walk along powdery white-sand beaches, or simply relax under swaying palm trees. Enjoy a freshly cooked lunch and dinner, and soak in the island’s peaceful rhythm — no internet, no stress, just the sound of the wind and the ocean.
1 day • Admission ticket free -
6San Blas Islands
Check-out from your bedroom is at 8:00am. You are welcome to store your luggage with island management. Spend another day on the island, swimming in the warm waters, relaxing in a hammock or paddling around the island on a SUP board. Lunch is served at 12:00pm
5 hours • Admission ticket free -
7San Blas Islands
By 1:00pm we will pick you up to go on an island boat tour visiting 1 other island and/or the Natural Pool. Swim in this beautiful pool and take pictures with the starfishes! This is a once in a lifetime experience! At 3:00pm you will return arriving by 7:00pm at your Panama City lodging. Return to the port by 4:00pm. If choosing our optional round trip transportation service, your driver will be waiting for you to safely return you to Panama City, arriving at your lodging by 7:00pm.
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Arrival Day - Check in on Isla Yansaialdup
Isla Yansailadup & Cayos Holandeses boat tour
Beach day on Isla Yansailadup
Departure Day + Cayos Limones Boat Tour
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Departure time is between 5:00am and 5:45am from your Panama City lodging. If staying at Playa Bonita area, your departure time is between 5:00am and 5:15am.
- In San Blas Islands there are no ATMs - please bring cash. You can buy additional drinks, snacks, souvenirs etc.
Show 20 more
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Departure time is between 5:00am and 5:45am from your Panama City lodging. If staying at Playa Bonita area, your departure time is between 5:00am and 5:15am.
- In San Blas Islands there are no ATMs - please bring cash. You can buy additional drinks, snacks, souvenirs etc.
- There are no electrical outlets in the bedrooms, only light. You can recharge your phones and cameras in the main house.
- Please be advised that San Blas is in the Kuna territory, which is an autonomous, Indian zone. The services are very basic and most cabins are minimalistic. The Kunas will be providing all touristic services, such as meal preparations, car and boat transportations, lodging, and tour guiding. We are proud to be working with this friendly tribe and with each booking we give back to the community, supporting their customs and their traditional way of life. We kindly ask you to respect this beautiful culture and their simple way of life, leaving your expectations behind and learning about their innocent culture.
- Aside from using generators for electricity, there are no amenities and utilities as you are used to from the city. Electricity only available between 6pm and 6am. Food is basic, yet freshly prepared such as fresh fried fish, mixed seafood, chicken or lobster (at extra charge) with salad, rice or plantains.
- Check out from your cabin on the island is at 8:00am. You are welcome to stay until 3pm with return to Panama City between 6-7pm, or leave in the morning returning to Panama City by 11:30am
- If choosing the option of roundtrip transportation, please be prepared for a 2.5 hour car journey each way over bad roads with potholes and slow curves! Please do not leave bad reviews because of the road. We try to warn you ahead of time :)
- PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO BRING YOUR ORIGINAL PASSPORT. WITHOUT IT, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE KUNA TERRITORY AND THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS.
- You are welcome to bring a cooler with your own drinks, potable water, snacks and beverages (fruit juice or alcohol). The driver will stop at a supermarket on the way to San Blas in order for you to purchase additional items.
- If choosing our transportation option, departure time is between 5:00am and 5:45am from your Panama City lodging. If staying at Playa Bonita area, your departure time is 5:00am.
- We recommend that you bring your personal hygiene items, such as towels, sunscreen, hats, mosquito repellent.
- “Tigo” is the cell phone company that has the best reception in San Blas.
- The boat transfer from the port to the islands may be bumpy with some sea spray. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, please prepare accordingly by bringing appropriate medication. You may also get wet, so please bring some water protection for your luggage and yourself
- PLEASE BE PREPARED FOR A 2.5 to 3 HOUR CAR JOURNEY EACH WAY OVER CURVY ROADS! THERE IS ALSO A 25-30 MINUTE BOAT RIDE TO YOUR FIRST ISLAND WHICH CAN GET QUITE BUMPY AND WET. We feel that the islands are worth the long drive, but some travelers have complained about the drive and the fast boat ride from and to the port. While we strive to provide our guests the best service and an unforgettable experience in San Blas, we are not responsible for road and ocean conditions, and we would like you to be aware of this fact :)
- ⚠️ IMPORTANT – YANSAILADUP ISLAND & SAN BLAS DISCLAIMER – PLEASE READ San Blas is one of the most beautiful and untouched island paradises in the world — turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and the unique culture of the Kuna people. Yansailadup Island is no exception, offering an authentic and serene experience. At the same time, these islands are very rustic. Think of your visit as a cultural adventure or tropical island camping trip rather than a luxury holiday. ➡️ If you expect 5-star comfort, we recommend exploring our other tours in Panama. ✅ If you come with an open mind, you’ll discover a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience far from mass tourism. Our Service vs. Local Service We provide excellent service during your booking process and will assist you before and during your trip. We do not own or operate the islands. Once you arrive, all services are provided by the Yansailadup Island family, and quality may differ from what you’re used to. Service may feel slow or unorganized — part of the authentic San Blas experience. Arrival at the Port: Please be patient as we wait for all guests to arrive and complete the entry list. Once everyone is accounted for, your journey to Yansailadup Island begins with the host family. ️ What to Expect on Yansailadup Island Accommodation No A/C; limited electricity (6:00 pm–6:00 am). No WiFi (local SIM may work, not guaranteed). Bathrooms are basic & shared; showers may have slight salt content. Water is precious; supply may be limited. Beds and sheets may be worn or uncomfortable. What looks like “clutter” is often reused items by Kuna families — please respect their way of life. ️ Meals & Dining Meals freshly prepared by the host family. Simple dishes: fish or chicken, rice, salad, patacones. Vegetarian options may be accommodated, but no dedicated vegetarian menu. Additional food, drinks, and snacks can be purchased before departure. Transportation Car ride: 2.5–3 hrs from Panama City on curvy mountain roads; shared 4x4 SUVs (6 passengers). Extra seat = extra cost. Pick-up: 5:00–5:30 am — drivers cannot wait more than 10 minutes. Port check-in: may feel busy or informal, but the Kuna maintain an organized system. Boat ride: 20–40 min; can be bumpy and wet. Boat transfers may stop at other islands, offering a glimpse of authentic Kuna island life. Tours & Activities Tours are not guided, and not all host family members speak English. Open communication and collaboration with the family is encouraged. Snorkeling and other activities may be canceled in the event of rain or strong winds. Guests will be informed of changes during their stay. Nature & Environment Ocean currents may bring plastic debris; the Kuna clean regularly. Garbage may wash ashore despite cleaning efforts — guest cooperation is appreciated. Sandflies common during rainy/windless season (April–Dec) → bring insect repellent. Weather is unpredictable — rain is possible anytime (no refunds for rain). Health & Safety Very limited medical care on the islands. Serious issues require evacuation to Panama City (guest covers cost). Final Note Yansailadup Island is not luxury — it’s about disconnecting, embracing a unique culture, and enjoying paradise. Come with patience, flexibility, and respect. The Kuna may be reserved, but they are kind and welcoming. With the right mindset, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories. If you have questions, suggestions, or concerns during your stay, communicate them immediately — this helps us assist you and improve your experience in real time.
- The use of drones is prohibited in San Blas. Heavy fines are imposed on those who disobey the law.
- Shower water on Isla Yansailadup is filtered from from ocean water and has a high salinity level
- We will check the availability of the cabin and will send you a confirmation mail.
- The check-in process at the port can feel busy and informal, but the Guna community has an organized system and all guests are well taken care of. During the boat ride, your lancha may make brief stops at nearby islands to pick up or drop off other travelers.
- Disclaimer: The Holandeses Tour requires a minimum of 4 guests to operate and is subject to favorable weather and ocean conditions for safety. In the event the tour is canceled due to insufficient participants or unfavorable conditions, we will reimburse $70 per person. Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities.
- Boat transfers may stop at other islands to pick up or drop off guests, offering a glimpse of authentic Guna island life.
- The road to San Blas is very curvy. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, please prepare accordingly by bringing appropriate medication.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- For a 50% refund, you must cancel 2–6 full days before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 2 full days before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Company
Get our app
